Baggage 2013 (Short Film) - REVIEW

The folks over at YouveBeenRobbedFilms are at it again with a new film called Baggage. It's a glimpse into a day in the life of Benjamin, just a normal guy, minding his own business and trying to fit in with society. FROM THE SYNOPSIS: He goes to work, loves his significant other and has hopes and dreams just like you. You will follow Benjamin for one day of his life, but will you still believe that Benjamin is normal after his world is revealed?

I previously reviewed Rob Dimension's film No Clowning Around (review here) which I considered to be an impressive venture into the life of a washed up former TV clown. Baggage is no different. Well, it is and it isn't and I will intentionally be vague as to not spoil any part of the film. To give too much away would be a smack in the face to a film maker who tries so hard to create something surprising.

Dimension wrote and stars in the film and and does a great job. I always enjoy watching someone who obviously has a respect for the genre and it's clear that he does. There isn't a lot of dialogue so it's left to him to speak through actions and expressions and he does it with an intensity that makes the character come alive on screen. 

Director Jeremiah Kipp also does an impeccable job framing shots and bringing a subtle dark tone to the film and I enjoyed the look and feel of it. It's done in black and white which is something that doesn't always work but definitely does here. I could easily see this playing out as an episode of The Twilight Zone . 

When it comes down to it, Baggage is just an all around solid Indie film. And I must once again give kudos to the cast and crew who obviously worked very hard to make it successful. 

For more info on Baggage and YouveBeenRobbedFilms, visit their site. You can purchase merchandise, pick up a copy of the film that also includes their award winning short, No Clowning Around. 

baggage from Action Media Productions on Vimeo.

Contact (2009,Short) - REVIEW

What one person calls a horror movie, another might call a thriller, drama or even just a comedy.  Everyone's perception is different but what I don't understand is the fact that you make a short movie and because someone is scared or has something terrible happening you are going to tag it as horror.  Not saying that I am always right and that my opinion is what decides the genre but I like to think I can identify something that is horror and something that is just being passed off as horror.

Koreen (Zoe Daelman Chlanda) and Westy (Robb Leigh Davis) are seen walking through what seems to be an area of town that druggies go to to buy drugs and sit back and get a high.  The couple are taken to what seems to be the drug lord and they recieve a small bottle of liquid and are told to take it together.  Neither know what they are in for.  They retreat to their apartment to get high and from there things get very strange.

I really don't know  what to make of this film.  If I really had to put it into a section at your local DVD rental or Red Box I would say it belongs in the Weird section.  The movie is filmed in black and white which is probably the main thing I like about the film.  To me black and white adds a little something that color films can't always do.  The film itself looks pretty damn good with some good special effects.  The story though is what I think is lacking.  The dialogue is reduced to just a couple of statements by the fucked up looking drug dealer and that's about it.  The rest of the story obviously is carried out by actions only.  There is not really a dark tone but more of a dreary depressing tone throughout the film.  The black and white does add to the drearyness as well.

My opinion on this like I have explained is not a horror film but I really did not all together not like it.  It probably is not the best short I have ever seen but certainly not the worst either.   I do applaud Jeremiah Kipp for doing something different not the same ole thing.  We horror fans know there are sometimes waaaaay to many Vampire, Zombie and found footage films roaming around recently.  I would give this  5 out of 10 stars.  Stay twisted everyone!